Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in this event?
Any Pennsylvania student in grades Kindergarten through grades 12.
Does every student get invited to the Pennsylvania Invention Convention?
No. Due to limitations on space and funding resources only finalists are invited to the face-to-face competition.
If I place at the Pennsylvania Invention Convention, am I guaranteed an invitation to the Invention Convention US Nationals in Dearborn, MI at The Henry Ford.
No, only first place winners are invited to attend the US Nationals and some by invitation only.
Is there a registration fee for the Invention Convention US Nationals?
Yes, but there is no fee for the Pennsylvania Invention Convention.
Is there a registration fee for the PA Invention Convention?
No.
How are projects selected to advance to the statewide competition?
Students do the following:
1. Register a project.
2. Upload photos of the project.
3. Upload their video pitch of the project.
Projects are judged by the PA Invention Convention Judges and FINALISTS are invited to the PA Invention Convention (statewide competition) held at the Hershey Hotel during the PETE&C Conference (major sponsor).
How are finalists selected to attend the Pennsylvania Invention Convention?
Judges will score project submissions using this scoring rubric (located under the RESOURCES tab).
Is there a scoring rubric?
Yes, and it is located under the RESOURCES tab.
Does the PA Invention Convention cover travel expenses to the state competition or the national competition?
No, travel expenses are the responsibility of participants. Students are encouraged to ask schools for travel reimbursement. Other travel expense options include fundraising on http://www.donorschoose.org. Students and teachers may wish to apply for travel grants if these are offered by your local Parent Teachers Association (PTA) and/or school foundation.
The Pennsylvania Invention Convention is generously funded by PETE&C.